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Home , Drake Peak, Fort Rock, Fremont National Forest, Goose Lake Valley, Hager Mountain

THE AUK A QUARTERLYJOURN AL'

ORNITHOLOGY

VOL. 62 A•'RIL, 1945 No. 2

SUMMER BIRDS OF THE ,

BY THOMAS H. MCALLISTER, JR. AND DAVID B. MARSHALL

Plate 9

TH•S report is an accountof observationsof bird life made while the authorswere employed by the United StatesForest Serviceon the Fre- mont National Forest from May 31 to September2, 1943. We do not considerthis to be a complete report of the birds inhabiting the Fre- mont Forest during the summer,since there were many areas which we never visited. Also, due to our work, we could only devote a very small part of our time to this pleasant pursuit, for we were on duty continuouslythe whole summer, except for several Sundays, and we had no choice as to areas. We hope, however, that there is informa- tion that will be of value and interest to others visiting this little- known region. Fremont National Forest is situated in south-centralOregon, with its westernedge in Klamath County and the rest in Lake County. Roughly, it lies south of Lapinc between the Dalles and Fremont highways, with the California border forming its southern boundary. The forest is divided into four ranger districts. In the north there is the Silver Lake District, to the south of this the Paisley District, then to the southwestthe Bly District, and to the southeast the WarnerDistrict. The 'southernarea on the Bly Districtis th• most mountainous and receives the most moisture. The eastern area of the Silver Lake District is the most arid region, being level and frequently interspersedwith rock and sageflats. The Warner Dis- trict is brokenby GooseLake Valley, runningnorth and souththrough Lakeview. The easternmostpart of the forest appearsagain as a large tongue, formed by the . All along the easternedge there is a minglingof the forest and the . The 177 THE AUK, VOL. 62 PLATE9

FRISMONTNATIONAL FOREST, ORtSGON.--(Upper figs.) HAGERMOUNTAIN. (Mid- dlefig.) TYPICALSCENE NEAR A WATERCOURSE;QUAKING ASPEN AND WILLOWIN FOREGROUNDAND WHITE FIR AND YELLOW PINE IN BACKGROUND.(Lo•oer fig., 'U.S. Forest Service Photo') TYPICAL STAND OF YELLOW PINE. 178 McALLis•r•R& MaRShaLL, Birds of Fremont National Forest ].April['Auk altitude varies from 4,000 to 8,000 feet. The region is mostly in the Transition Life Zone, although there are areas in the C•nadian and Upper Sonoran life zones. As a whole, Fremont Forest is untouched by man and has been left in its natural state. There are only a few areas that have been logged, and these only by selective logging. Except for the towns of Bly and Silver Lake, the areas in which we were stationed were many miles from human habitation. Generally speaking, the northern part of the forest is comprised of vast stands of western yellow pine (),while the southernpart is of mixed westernyellow pine and white fir (Abiessp.). In the northwesterncorner, around Teatable Mountain and Sugarpine Mountain, a few sugar pines (Pinus lambertiana) are found. At higher elevations,white fir and lodgepolepine ()are common, along with a few western white pine (Pinus monticola)and incense cedar (Libocedrusdecurrens). On the eastern side of the Silver Lake District, around Teatable Mountain, the soil is composed of and, as a result, the lodgepolepine forms large stands at lower elevations. The predominatingcover of the forest floor is snow brush (Ceanothusvelutinus) and manzanita (Arctostaphylossp.). Lakes, streams, springs and other watercourses are surrounded by quaking aspens (Populus tremuloides)and also various forms of wil- lows (Salix sp.). A great part of the area surroundingthe forest and even parts within the forest contain desert and sagebrushareas. In theseareas there are many formsof sage(A rtemisia)and brush (Chrysothamnus). Western (Juniperus occidentalis)is scat- tered along the edgesof these sage lands. Mammal life is quite abundant throughout the region. Rocky Mountain mule (Odocoileushemionus macrotes) were seen where- ever we went. Prong-hornedantelope (Antilocapraamericana oregona) and Oregonjack (Lelyuscalifornicus wallawalla) were found in the open or desert regions. Mountain (Canis latrans lestes) often serenadedus at night. The yellow-hairedporcupines (Erethizon epixanthum epixanthum) made a general nuisance of themselves around our stations as did also the golden-mantledground squirrel (Callospermophiluschrysodeirus chrysodeirus) and the western bushy- tailed wood rat (Neotoma cinerea occidentalis). We also found Sierra chickarees (Sciurus douglasii albolimbatus)and pale yellow-bellied marmots (Marmotafiaviventris avara). One California badger (Tax- idea taxusneglecta) and one Oregoncougar (Fells concolororegonensis) were also seen by us. McAllister was stationed in the Silver Lake Ranger District and Marshall in the Bly Ranger District. During the first part of June Vol.1945 62'[J McA•,Lis•r•R& MARSH•d&, Birds of Fremont National Forest 179 we wereboth stationedin brushcamps, where we piledslash. McAllis- ter was at Cabin Springs and Marshall at Fishhole Mountain. In the third weekMcAllister was sent out on the SycanMarsh as a guard for road equipment. From June 23 to June 26 we both took our guard training together at Dog Lake. After this, Marshall spent severaldays on maintenancework out of Finley Corrals. McAllister on June 28 and Marshall on July 1 were both sent to lookouts, where we spent the rest of the summer as lookout firemen. Followingare descriptions6f the localitieswhich we workedmost extensively: Bly, Section 3, Township37 South, Range 14 East. Elevation, 4,356 feet. June 3 to 9, August 6 (Albert Marshall), September2. A small loggingtown with marshlandon the east side, and surrounded by sagebrush,western juniper and occasionalwestern yellow pine. Bly is not within the boundariesof the forest, but is headquarters for the Bly Ranger District. SilverLake, Section 22, Township32 South,Range 14 East. Eleva- tion, 4,347feet. May 31, June 10 to 14, June 19 to 23, June27 and 28, September2 and 3. A smalltown, now practicallydeserted. On the north side of it beginsthe Paulina Marsh, and on all other sidesit is surroundedby sageand rims. Like Bly, it is not withinthe boundariesof the forest but is headquartersfor the Silver Lake RangerDistrict. The rangerstation is a milesouthwest of the town, and Silver Creek,which is linedwith largequaking aspen groves, runs by it. DogLake, Section 22, Township40 South,Range 17 East. Eleva- tion, around6,000 feet. June 7 and June23 to 26. A largelake threemiles long and one-fourth mile wide. The southend is mostly marshland.Timber: western yellow pine and white fir, with quaking aspenand surroundingthe lake. TeatableMountain, Section 23, Township 27 South,Range 10 East. Elevation,around 6,500 feet. June1 to June10. Teatableis shaped likea mesa,for it is surroundedonall sidesby highrims and on top formsa largeplateau. Onemile to the southwestis CabinSprings. Timber:western yellow pine, sugar pine and lodgepole pine. FishholeMountain, Section 20, Township28 South,Range 16 East. Elevation,around 6,550 feet. June8 to 23. The areacovered here -wasbetween Lapham Reservoirand the top of FishholeMountain. It is very interestingcountry in that there are many small lakes scatteredthroughout the area surroundedby quakingaspens. ' West- ern yellowpine and white fir coverthe areaalong with someincense cedar. Also, someof the higher slopeshave standsof the curl-leaf mountainmahogany ( Cerocarpusledifolius). 180 McAI,I,IS•r•R & Ma•S•A•,•,, Birds of Fremont National Forest tA•ril[Auk

Sycan Marsh, Township 32 and 31 South, Range 14 East. Eleva- tion, 4,973 feet. June 15 to 18. A large marsh of about 9,000 acres. On the west it is boundedby large westernyellow pine standsand on the east by sageflats. Finley Corrals, Section 13, Township 38 South, Range 16 East. Elevation, around 6,000 feet. June 28 to July 1. Timber: western yellow pine, lodgepolepine, white fir, willows and quaking aspen. ColemanPoint, formerly known as Green Mountain, Section' 16, Township36 South, Range 17 East. Elevation: 7,000feet. July 1 to August 31. Situated on the north end of Coleman Rim, Coleman Point is nine miles southeastof Gearhart Mountain. Unlike many lookout stations, this station is surrounded by heavy timber. This provided a great deal of bird life. Sierra Hermit Thrushes,Ruby- crownedKinglets, Western Tanagers,Cassin's Purple Finches,Town- send's Solitaires and Warner Mountain Fox Sparrowsprovided the greatest bird chorusin the morning and eveningsthat one could hear anywhere. White fir is the most abundant tree; althoughthe western yellow pine almost equalsit in abundance. There are alsooccasional lodgepole pine, western white pine and incense cedar. Snow brush (Ceanothusvelutinus) coversthe groundsaround the station. The lookout house is perched on the highest point, from which DeadhorseRim, Slide Mountain, the desert beyond Paisley, Round Mountain, Abert Rim, Drake's Peak, Shoestring Butte, Crane Moun- tain and Peak can be seen. Over all this area only two signs of man can be seen, a road far in the distance and another lookout station over ten miles away. Snow banks are found near the station into July. From Eagle Spring, which is to the west of the lookout, a branch of Deer Creek starts. Green grass,false hellebore(Veratrum sp., probably viride), and quaking aspen trees surround the spring and creek. One-half mile to the southeast of Coleman Point is the head of Spring Creek. It is in a wide canyon with the same cover as Eagle Spring but with the addition of many willowsand sage. This is one of the great places for bird life around Coleman Point, but unfortunately Marshall was able to spend only several hours at this beautiful spot. ttager Mountain, Section25, Township 29 South, Range 14 East. Elevation, 7,614 feet. June 28 to September 1. A large mountain rising alone above the surroundingforest, eight miles south of Silver Lake. The slopesare coveredwith westernyellow pine, and at higher elevationsit mingles with white fir. At timberline, on the north side, is a small grove of western white pine. Above timberline, which is around 7,000 feet, is a large open area covered with sage, rabbit Vol.194S 62]J MCaLLISteR& M•.RSHALL, Birdsof Fremont ' National Forest 181 brush and a few curl-leaf mountain mahogany (Cerocarpusledifolius) trees. There is alsoa goodgrowth of bunchgrass(Festuca sp.), which attracts large numbers of . Snow banks lie on top until July 18. There are two points on the summit with a saddlebetween. On the highestpoint is perchedthe lookoutstation, The view from here is without parallel. On a clear day, one may scan the Cascade skyline from to Mou.nt Jefferson. To the north lies Paulina Marsh, Valley, and Paulina Peak. To the east, one can look far out over the high desert to Wagontire Mountain. Tothe southeast stretchq• Winter Ridge. To the south li•s Thompson Reservoir and Sycan Marsh. Beyond that one can see Horsefly, Gearh&rtand Slide Mountain,some of whichare as muchas fifty miles away. To the west and southwestlies the Klamath Indian Reservation. To bring water up to the stationwas a mostdifficult task, for it had to be brought from Hager Spring, situated near the western foot of the mountain, over two miles of steep, rough mountain . On the southwestside lies another and much larger spring, which comesout of the rocksat the headof a largecanyon. This is SouthHager Spring. It is lined with large grovesof aspenwhile Hager Spring has only a few willows around it. MeAllister's trips to these two springspro- vided him with most of his records, for the barren summit of the mountain was practically devoid of bird life. Sparrow Hawks and Rock Wrens were the only inhabitants of the summit, except for occasionalstragglers and migrants.

LIST O1, BIRDS W•S•rERN Om•B• (Aechmophorusoccidentalis). On June 25 we paddled into the marshesat the south end of Dog Lake and there observedseveral paks of birds with young in the downy stage. We managed to catch a young one, which upon release followed the boat about as if we were its parents. On June 26 McAllister caught another young one. P•D-BXLL•D GR•B• (Podilymbuspodiceps podiceps). Dog Lake, June 24. On June 26 a family of eight young was found just out of the nest. WH•T• I•L•CAN (Pelecanuserythrorhynchos). A flock of about fifty was observed on June 7 and again between June 23 and 27 at Dog Lake. Although they frequently restedin the marsh, they showedno indication of nesting. They probably camefrom Clear Lake which is not far distant. FXRALLONCORZaORANT (Phalacrocorax auritus alb•ciliatus). A few individuals were noted at Dog Lake on June 25. TP.•GANZ•'SH•RoN (Ardea herodiastreganzai). Bly Marsh, August 6 and Sep- tember 2. Antelope Flat, June 22. A common resident along Silver Creek near Paulina Marsh. Am•RZCANEGx• (Casmerodiusalbus egretta). One bird was found at the edgeof the Chewaucan Marsh along the Fremont Highway, northwest of Valley Falls, June 27. 182 McALLISTER& MARSHALL, Birdsof Fremont National Forest [April[Auk

ANTHONY'S(•RBBN HBRON (Butorides virescens anthonyi). One bird was discovered on Silver Creek near Silver Lake Ranger Station, June 2 I. BLACK-CROWNBDNXOHT HB•ON (Nycticorax nycticoraxhoactli). One adult bird was observed at Dog Lake on June 25. AMB•mAN BxTTB•N (Botauruslentiginosus). One bird was seen at Dog Lake on June 25. COMMO• CANADA GOO$• (Branta canadensiscanadensis). Several large family groupswere seenon June 25 at the southend of Dog Lake, wherewe alsofound three deserted nests on tule islands, which had clutches of unmolested eggs. On June 27 McAllister saw several family groups along the Fremont Highway at the edge of Summer Lake. The settlers at Silver Lake said they bred regularly on Paulina Marsh. CoMMoN MAI,LARD (Anas platyrhynchosplatyrhynchos). First seen at Antelope Flat on May 31 and from then on throughout the summer at Dog Lake, Fishhole Mountain, Paulina Marsh, Summer Lake, Silver Creek and Johnson Meadows. From this it may be seenthat they breed commonly throughout the region, wherever conditions are suitable. On June 20 Marshall flushed a female from a nest on the side of Fishhole Mountain about seventy-five feet from a small, deep pond. The nest was on the ground next to a rotten log beneath a small white fir, and was lined with down and needles and contained three eggs. It is interesting to note that the pond contained no shallow water; the edge was a straight drop. Also, there was no vegetation around the pond except for the trees. GADWALL(Chaulelasmus streperus). On June 25 we flushed a number of these ducks from the heavy cover of a rule island at the south end of Dog Lake, and found two nests. They contained eight and nine eggs, respectively, and were lined with down and grasses. On June 26 McAllister flushed a Gadwall off a nest containing five dark cream eggsand four of her own, which were smaller and creamy white. She had probably been imposedupon by a Redhead,as is so often the case. CINNAMONTIDAL (Anas cyanopteracyanoptera). We found this the most abundant duck on June 24 at Dog Lake. RBDHBAD(Nyroca americana). Severalpairs were seenat Dog Lake on June 24. RUDDY DUCK (Erismatura jamaicensis rubida). Two pairs were noted at Dog Lake on June 25. TumrBY VULIURB (Cathartes aura septentrionalis). Individuals were observed throughout the forest from June 5 at Bly to August 28 at Coleman Point. SHARP-SHINNIeDHAWK (Accipiter striatusvelox). , August 7 and Coleman Point, August 26. On August 21 Marshall saw one being chased by a flock of Robins at Spring Creek, half a mile southeast of Coleman Point. CooPBWSHAWK (Accipitercooperil). A pair flew over Hager Mountain on August 31 and September I. WBSIB•N RBD-IAXLBDHAWK (Buteoborealis calurus). Individuals were observed throughout the forest from June 5 at Bly until August 28 at Coleman Point. On August 7 the firgt numbers of apparently migratory birds were noted over Hager Mountain. SWAINSON'SHAWK (Buteo swainsoni). One bird was seen over Hager Mountain on August 9. FI•RRUOINOUSROUOIt-LI•O (Buteo regalls). Three individauls spent August I0 over Hager Mountain from which they went on to the southward. During August, McAllister frequently saw butcos in phaseswhich he could not identify. Although Hager Mountain is ideally suited for hawks, he did not observe Vol.1945 62'1J McAz,I,IST•R & MARSHAX,X,,Birdsof Fremont National Forest 183 any but Sparrow Hawks until the first week of August. From this he concluded that all the hawks he saw constltutecLthe first of an early, light, fall migration. GoLD•s EAoL• (Aguila chrysaetos.canadensis). Two adults and two immature birdsworked irregularly over Hager Mountain from June 12 to the endof July. NORTI•I•RNBALD EAOLI• (Haliaeetus teucocephalus washingtoniensis). Two adults circled over Dead Indian Lookout on June 14. One adult near Bly on August 6. MARSHHAWK (Circuscyaneus hudsonius). Hager Mountain, July 19 and August 9 to August 26. It was surprisingfor the first time to seeMarsh Hawks flying over Hager, but they appeared intermittently throughout August, individually and in pairs. Sometimes they glided and flapped low over the summit of the mountain most of the day, alighting at intervals to rest on old snags,or elsethey drifted by in a southerlydirection. On August 10, at Coleman Point, a Marsh Hawk spent the day in a similarfashion. The only time they were seenin customarysurroundings was at Bly Marsh on August 6 by Albert Marshall. P•tAXRZ•FAZ,CO• (Falco mexicanas). At Antelope Flat, on June, 10, two birds were seen along the rimrock where they probably nest. One bird worked around Hager Mountain on August 20. W•ST•R• Pxo•o• HAWK (Falcocolumbarius bendfrei). One bird joined company with the Sparrow Hawks on Hager Mountain on August 11, and caught dragonflies in the same fashion as they did. EASa'•RNSPARROW HAWX (Falco sparveriussparverius). Noted throughout the forest betweenMay 31 at AntelopeFlat and September1 at Hager Mountain. On /-Iager there were as many as three pairs, one of which bred on the side of the moun- tain in an old hollow snag. They were extremely audaciousand chasedeverything from the to the Prairie Falcon. Their chief food throughout August was a large dragonfly which swarmed over the mountain on hot days. They would neatly catch and devour the dragonflieson the wing without alighting. SII•RRA GROIISI• (Dendragapusobscurus sierrae). A common resident on both Hager Mountain and ColemanPoint. First observedon June 12 and last seenSep- tember 1 on Hager. On July 20, at Hager, an old hen, which was so tame as to allow one to walk up and all but touch her, brought her family of half-grown young up the mountain, and spent the rest of the summer on the summit. SAO• HEN (Centrocercusurophasianus). Flocks were seen in the sage south of Silver Lake on June 11 and August 21. SAN•HXZ,Z,CR•N• (Grus canadensistabida). On June 16, while camped on the edgeof Syean Marsh, McAllister heard a number of thesebirds callingin the evening. The birds are well known to the settlersin this region,who said they were alsofound on Seller's Marsh and Klamath Marsh. AZa•RXCaNCooer (Fulica americanaamericana). First seenat Dog Lake on June 7. Later, on June 25 at Dog Lake, a family of young cootswas seenon the lake, and a nest of eight eggs was found. Kx•R (Charadriusvociferus vociferus). First seenMay 31 at AntelopeFlat. McAllister, while driving a truck near Thompson Reservoir on June 11, noticed a mother frantically 'playing injured' just in front of the truck, which he stoppedin time to seea family of baby Killdeers scurry out of the ruts in the road. They were just out of the nest and he managed to catch one. Also noted at Bly on June 5 and August 6 and at Fishhole Mountain on June 12. WXZ,SON'S SNXP• (Capelladelicata). Bly Marsh, June 3. Winnowing at evening on Dog Lake, June 25. SPo•r• SAN•PX•R (Actitis macularia). Fishhole Mountain, June 13; Lapham Reservoir, June 20; and Dog Lake, June 24. 184 McA•,z,xs•rER& M.•tsm•z,z,, Birds of Fremont National Forest tAl•rilfAuk

W•ST•RN WXZ,Z,•T (Catoptrophorussemipalmatus inornatus). Numerous about Bly between June 3 and June 8, and Sycan Marsh, June 15 to 18. We were both surprisedto see them playing about in the sage and as far as a mile from water. It was amusing to see them teeter crazily, as they tried to alight in the slender top of a juniper. WXX,SON'S Ptza•zo• (Steganopustricolor). Several pairs were seenat Dog Lake on June 24, which were breedingnear the Black Tern colony. CaX,XFoRNXaor RXNO-mX,X,•DOvI, X, (Larus californicusor L. delawarensis). A few at Dog Lake on June 24. On July 22 a gull flew over }lager Mountain Lookout going due north. FoRs•r•R'STERN (Sternaforsteri). One bird was seen at Drew's Rseervoir on June 26. Bly Marsh, August 6. Bx,a½•rT•RN (Chlidonias nigra surinamcrisis). Common on Syean Marsh, June 16 and Dog Lake, June 25. At Dog Lake there were nests scattered about on small tule islands. We found one with two downy young aad another with a dead young and an egg. The other nestswere slightly raised platformsof grassand tule, six inches in diameter, and in one inch of water. W•S•RN MOVRNZNODov• (Zenaidura macrouramarginella). This bird was seen in small numbers on meadowsand flats throughout the region between May 31 at Antelope Flat and September 1 at Silver Lake. PaczFx½I-Io•zN•D OWX,(Bubo virginianuspacificus). Fishhole Mountain, June 11 and June 20. Finley Corrals, June 30. Coleman Point July 3 and August 1. }lager Mountain, August 27. NVTTaI, L'S POOR-WXL•(Phalaenoptilus nuttalli nuttalli). First heard at evening east of Sycan Marsh on June 15. }leard regularly over }lager Mountain between June 28 and August 31. PacxVz½Nxol•rizaw•r (Chordeilesminor hesperis). Dog Lake, June 7 and 24. Sycan Marsh, June 15. Vavx's Swx•r (Chaeturavauxi). Flocks were observedat Finley Corrals on June 28 and July 31. On Coleman Point, Marshall saw these birds two or three times a week between July 2 and August 26, but never more than two or three at a time. At Eagle Spring, just below Coleman, however, a flock of nineteen was seen on August 26. RvVovs }lvraraxNoBzm)(Selasphorus rufus). On September 2, the matrimonial or desert vine around the Silver Lake Ranger Station was alive with Rufous Hum- mingbirds. The surprisingthing was that there were no malesamong these birds. Cax,x,zov•HV•mNoBm• (Stellula calliope). First seenat Coleman Point on July 3, and from then on, frequently throughout the summer, until August 24. One once flew inside the lookout station through an open window, hovered in the middle of the room, and then darted out the only other open window in the station on the opposite side of the room. Also, a female was seenat Hager Spring, and another at South }lager Spring which spent July and August there. At Hager Spring, one was observedtaking a bath. It would gently lower itself and hit the surfaceof the pool like a tiny helicopter, and repeat this performance until sufficiently wet. At no time during the summer were male Calliope Hummingbirds seen; all were females. W•Sa'•RN B•I,T• KXNO•tSH•R (Megaceryle alcyon caurina). Silver Creek, September 2. R•-SHAF•r• FLXCK•R(Colapres caret collaris). Found commonlythroughout the forest betweenJune 1 at Cabin Springsand September 1 on Hager Mountain. Two pairs nested in old white-fir snags on I-Iager Mountain. VoL1945 J McALLxsV•R& Mza•sm•L, Birds of Fremont National For½si 185

WBs•r•va•P•a•BD WOODVBCm•R(Ceophloeus pileatus picinus). Seen occasion- ally on Coleman Point from June 3 to August 16. LBwxs'sWoom'Bca• (Asyndesmuslewis). Bly, June 6. This specieswas found nesting high in an old yellow pine near Syean Marsh, June 17. IL•D-I•I•D S•U•R (Spkyrapicusvarius nuchalis). One bird was observedin an aspen grove on Silver Creek, June 20. WXX•X,XA•SON'SSA•'SVC•R (Spkyrapicus tkyroideusthyroideus). Very common on Coleman Point from July 4 to August 31. Sometimes two pairs could be seen on one tree. They were, however, seen only sparingly on Hager Mountain. On July 10, Marshall found a nest forty-five feet up in the dead top of a white fir. Young could be heard calling from the hole. These birds are very quiet and secretive. Very seldom were their calls ever heard. l•IoDoc WOOm'BCK•R (Dryobatesvillosus orius). Found throughout the forest betweenJune 4 on Teatable l•Iountaln and September1 on Hager Mountain. No•HBv• WHX•-m•D Woom'Bc• (Dryobates albolarvatusalbolarvatus). Lantern Flat, a large flat east of Finley Corrals, July 1. Coleman Point, July 7 and August 3. A•c•xc Tm•-•o•D Woom'Bc• (Picoides arcticus). Fishhole Mountain, June 13, 20 and 23. E•sx•v• KzN•mm) (Tyrannus tyrannus). One bird was calling lustily in the timber on Hager Mountain, July 15. A•x•'qsis Kx•qOml• (Tyrannus verticalis). Bly, June 3 through June 6, and August 6. Silver Lake, May 31 and June 13. 8•¾'s P•o• (Sayornis saya saya). Silver Lake, May 31. Lx•,• F•,¾cA•cu• (Empidonax traillii brewsteri). Fkst seen at Finley Corrals on July 1. Later seen at South Hager Spring, Coleman Point and Spring Creek. Last seen August 26 on Spring Creek. Hz,a•o•qD and Wm•u•'s F•,¾c•ca•s (Empidonaxhammondi and E. wrighti).• Theselittle flycatcherswere abundant from June 2 at Cabin Springsto September2 at Finley Corrals. Becauseof their dose similarity we never knew whether we were seeing hammondior wrighti, although we presume that most of them were of the former species,since by far the majority were found fairly high up in the heavy timber. Wherever we went, these birds were always heard calling from the timber• even on warm afternoons,when everything else was still. W•s•R•q F•,¾c•ca• (Empidonax di.•½ilis di.•cilis). Fishhole Mountain, June 14, and Hager Spring, August 10. W•s•N Wood P•w• (Myiochanesrichardsoni richardsoni). A common resi- dent throughout the forest from June 6 at Bly and Teatable Mountain to September 2 at Finley Corrals. O•,xv•-sm•D F•,¾c•Ca•R (Nuttallornis mesoleucus).First seen on Teatable Mountain on June 6. Later observed at Fishhole Mountain and Finley Corrals. Last seen at Coleman Point on August 26. Vxo•-•R•q Sw•,•ow (Tachy½inetathalassina lepida). On July 11, a few birds flew over Hager Mountain. T• SwA•z,ow(Iridoprocne bi½olor). First seenat Bly on June 5. Later seen at ThompsonReservoir and FishholeMountain. Last seenat Dog Lake on June 25. 13z,mq Sw•,•,ow (ttirundo erythrogaster).First seen at Bly on June 3. Later seen at Dog Lake and Thompson Reservoir. Last seen on August 8, when a small flock flew over Hager Mountain. No•m•q C•,x• Sw•,•,ow (Petrochelidonpyrrhonota pyrrhonota). Dog Lake, June 7. 186 McA•,z,zs•'•R& MARSaAZ,Z,, Birdsof Fremont National Forest [April GR•¾•a¾ (Perisoreus canad•nsis griseus). First seen atCabin Springs onJ'une 5, where they came regularly to be fed flapjacks. Also observedat Fishhole Mountain and Finley Corrals. At ColemanPoint they were seenoften from [[uly 2 up to the time Marshall left on August 31, and were quite fond of the suet that was put out for them. liLVm-e•ZONTmDJ'a¾ (Cyanocittastelleri frontalis). Found throughout the forest from [[une 6 at lily to August 26 on Coleman Point. AMmR•CANMaox, zm (Pica pica kudsonia). First seennear Paulina Marsh on May 31. Later seen at lily and Dog Lake. Last seen at Silver Lake on September 2. AMm•aCANI•VmN (Corvus corax sinuatus). First seen at Dog Lake on J'une 7. Later seen at Fishhole Mountain and I-Iager Mountain. Last seen at Coleman Point on August 24. On the few occasionsthat we saw these birds from our lookouts, they were in large flocks which would circle and drift above us, sometimes continuing this for long periods of time. Cz,ARK'SNv•rc•zacr•z (Nucifraga columbiana). Large numbers were at Shelvin on J'une 2. Small flocks on Coleman Point and I-Iager Mountain up to September 1 at I-Iager. Sao•ZW-WxzLmDCazc•Ammm (Parus gambeliabbreviatus). Found to be an abundant resident over the entire forest from J'une 1 at Cabin Springs to September 1 at Hager Mountain. On J'une 12 at Fishhole Mountain, Marshall found chickadeescarrying nesting material into a yellow pine log three feet in diameter, which was lying flat on the ground. The entrance was a crack in the log, one foot from the ground. RocKY MOVNWAZNNva•awca (Sitta carolinensisnelsoni). Fairly common in all forest areas from J'une 6 at Bly to September 1 on I-Iager Mountain. Rmm-mzmxsTmmNvwHawca (Sitta canadensis). Commonin all forest areasfrom J'une 1 at Cabin Springs to August 31 on Coleman Point. Especially abundant at high elevations. liz,xc•:-maR•mNvwaawca (Sitta pygmaeamelanotis). First seen at Thompson Reservbir on J'une 11. Last seen on Coleman Point on J'uly 31. This bird was abundant in the northern part of the forest, where there are solid stands of yellow pine, but only occasionalin the southernpart, where the timber is only partly yellow pine. SzmP,RA CR•mX,m•t (Certkiafamiliaris zelotes). Seen throughout the forest between J'une6 at Teatable Mountain and September 1 on I-Iager Mountain. On J'uly 3 at I-Iager, McAllister watched a pair taking food to their young. The nest was in a bark crevice thirty feet up in an old yellow-pine snag. WmSTm•ZNI-Iovsm W•tmN (TroglodytesaOdon parlemanii). First seenon J'une6 at lily and Teatable Mountain. Other individuals noted at Dog Lake, FishholeMoun- tain and ColemanPoint. The aspensat SpringCreek on August 26 werealive with them. Also, large numbersappeared in the brush at I-IagerMountain on August 27, wherethey had not been previouslynoted. These two recordswould indicate a mi- gration. WmSWm•ZNM•RSa WReN (Telmatodytespalustris plesius). Dog Lake, J'une25. CAlgONWReN (Catherpesmexicanus conspersus). One adult bird came in on August 20 during a heavy morningfog and spent the day about I-IagerMountain lookout station. On August 23 an adult spent the morning around Coleman Point Lookout. It continually gave a ringing call that couldbe heard from a great distance. lioth birds offered an excellent chance for observation as they were quite tame. Co•oN Rock:WReN (Salpinctes obsoletus obsoletus). First seen at lily onJ'une 3. Also found at Dog Lake and Silver Lake. On I-Iager Mountain they were abundant Vol.1945 62]J MO.•LLISTI•R& M.tmSaALL, Birds of Fremont National Forest 187

among the rocks and brush above timberline. Except for straggiersand the Sparrow Hawks, they were the only birds which inhabited the mountain top. Last seen at Hager on September 1. SAG•:Tar. ASa•:R(Oreos½optes montanus). Silver Lake, June 12. WI•STE•RNROBIN (Turdus migratoriuspropinquus). Found throughout the region from June 3 at Bly to September 1 on Hager Mountain. S•m•A H•R•I• TaRUSa (Hylocichlaguttam sequoiensis). Found throughout the forest from June 1 at Cabin Springsto August 30 on ColemanPoint. Not until the woods at evening echoed with their songs, did one fully realize the abundance of this shy bird. TOwNS•ND'S SOLI•R• (Myadestestownsendi). Noted throughout the forest from June 13 at Fishhole Mountain to August 17 on Coleman Point. Sometimes one would never know that this bird existed until the solitaires from all around would go to the tops of the firs and all begin singing at once. On August 16, Mc- Allister watched parents feeding berries to spotted young at South Hager Spring. MOUN•aN BL•BmD (Sialia currucoides). Seen in more open country at lower elevations. First noted on June 5 near Euwana Camp on Quartz Mountain. Later noted at Bly, Bear Flat and Dog Lake. Last seenat Finley Corralson July 1. W]•S•]•RN GOLDF.N-CROw•r•D K•NGLF.• (Regulussatrapa olivaceus). Flocks were frequently seen from June 1 at Cabin Springs to September 1 on Hager Mountain. WI•STI•RNRUBY-CROWNF. D KINGLF. T (Reguluscalendula cineraceus). One of the common birds in the forest from May 31 at Silver Lake to August 30 on Coleman Point. During June and July the forest was constantly filled with their singing. W•S•RN PI•'• (Anthus spinolettapacificus). A few birds flew over the summit of Hager Mountain on September 1. CALIFORNIASaPam• (Lanius ludovicianusgainbell). One bird was noted near Dog Lake on June 7. CASmN'SVimeo (Vireo solitariuscassinii). First noted at Bly on June 6 and last noted at Spring Creek on August 26. Other individuals seen at Dog Lake, Fishhole Mountain, Coleman Point and South Hager Spring. WI•$TE•RNWARBLING VIRI•O (Vireo gilvus swainsonii). Found in aspens and willows along most of the watercoursesfrom May 31 at Silver Lake to August 29 at Eagle Spring near Coleman Point. ROCKYMOIJNTAIN ORANGI•-CROWNI•DWARBLI•R (Vermivora celata orestera). Nu- merous in aspensat South Hager Spring on August 19 and 23, and among the willows at Spring Creek on August 21 and 26. ROCKYMOIJNTAIN ¾F. LLOW WARBIeR (Dendrolcaaestiva morcorni). Found along watercoursesin the willows and aspens,and in shadetrees about ranchesand towns from May 31 at Silver Lake to September 2 at Silver Lake. AVDVBON'SW•mBL•R (Dendroicaauduboni auduboni). A common forest resident, especially at higher elevations, from June I at Cabin Springs to September 1 on Hager Mountain. Bt,ACK-taROA•D GRAY WARm,•R (Dendroica nigrescens). One individual at Hager Spring on August 20. TOWNS•ND'SWARBLER (Dendroica townsendi). Several noted at South Hager Spring on August 23 and at Spring'Creek on August 26. One appeared among a flock of Audubon Warblers at Coleman Point on August .20. MACG•LL•vRaY'SWARBLER (Oporornis tolmiei). Numerous at Spring Creek on August 26 and at South Hager Spring between August 19 and August 23. A few were also noted at Coleman Point on August 14 and 17 and at timberline on Hager Mountain on August 18. 188 McAz,z,xs•z&Mmzs•a,z,, Birds of Fremont National Forest LApril[Auk

W•ST•R•; Y•LLOW-TZtROaT(Geothlypis trickas occidentalis). A few were present at Dog Lake on June 23. NORTrapeze;Fz•oLa•D WaRBza•a(Wilsonia pusilla chryseola). Noted at Finley Corrals on June 28, timberline on I-LagerMountain on August 18, South I-Lager Spring between August 19 and August 23, and at Spring Creek on August 26. ENOLIS• SPARROW(Passer domesticus domesticus). Seenabout Bly and Lakeview. W•s•a•; M•aDOW•a•z•r (Sturnellaneglecta). Bly, June $, and Drew's Reservoir, June 26. Y•r, LOW-H•ar)•r) Br,ac•rRr) (Xanthocepkalusxanthocephalus). A small colony was found at Dog Lake on June 25, where a nest was discoveredin the rules one and one-half feet above the water. It containedtwo eggsand two newly hatched young. N•v.xoa l•-w•No (Agelaiusphoeniceus nevadensis). Commonat all the marshes we visited from June 3 at Bly to September2 at Bly. Bvx,r•ocx'sOmor• (Icterus bullockii). Common between May 31 and June 21 among the aspens along Silver Creek near Silver Lake, where several nests were found. BP.•W•R'S BLaczmrea)(Eupkagus cyanocepkalus). First seen at Silver Lake on May 31 and last seenat Bly on September 2. Also noted at the Lapham Reservoir, Paisley, Lakeview and at Dog Lake, where a nest was found on June 24 at the edge of the lake. It was concealedon the ground in the grassand weed-cover,six inches high, and eoutained five eggs. W•ST•RN Ta•aa• (Piranga ludoviciana). Very eommouthroughout the forest between June 2 at Shelvin to August 31 on Coleman Point. At Shelvin, a large loggingcamp where they were especiallynumerous, they were found foragingabout the streetsand dooryardsin companywith large flocksof Clark's tqutcraekers. This apparently went on with a great deal of success,as there was plenty of refuse. At Coleman Point, also, they became very tame, and often came to the door of the station after eggshellsthat had been thrown out. WZ•ST•RNEV•x•G GRos•z: (ttesperiphonavespertins brooksi). Flockswere seen at Fishhole Mountain on June 20, Finley Corrals on June 28, and a few at Hager Mountain on July 12. Noted frequently from July 2 to August 20 on ColemanPoint. One immature bird flew against the window of the Coleman Point station on August 20. It then rested for several minutes on the guy cable, and later in the afternoon repeated this performance for a second and third time. On the third occasion, Marshall held a soda cracker out to the bird and it took severalnips at it, apparently tasting the salt on it, as it did not break off and eat any of the cracker. The bird then flew off, but late that afternoon it again flew against a window. This time, though, it flew off when Marshall approachedit with somesalt. The bird apparently came in with a flock that spent the early morning around Coleman Point but re- mained instead of leaving with the others. Cassx•'s Pve,?r,• Fi•c• (Carpodacuscassinil). Observedthrough the summer, first at Dog Lake on June 7, later at Fishhole Mountain, Finley Corrals, South Hager Spring, and last at Coleman Point on August 27. Co•nso• I-Iovs• Px•c• (Carpodacusmexicanus frontalis). Seen about Bly from June 3 to 7, and at Paisley and Lakeview on June 26. NORTm•R• 1•1• Sxsgx• (Spinuspinus pinus). First seenat Bly on June 3, then at Finley Corralson July 1, and from then on frequentlyon ColemanPoint up to August 26. Only a small flock was noted at I-LagerMountain on July 12. B•-nxm•'s CRoss•ir,r,(Loxia curvirostrabendirei). Flocks were seenregularly on ColemanPoint from July 3 to August 18. Alsonoted at Dog Lake on June 24 and at Hager Mountain on August 18. Vol.194s 621I STuR•,Nesting Activities ofAmerican Redstart 189

GREI•N-TAILI•DTow•[I•I• (Oberholseriachlorura). Noted abundantly at Bly on June 6, the summit of FishholeMountain on June 20, Dog Lake July 24, and Spring Creek on August 26. Found from June 28 to September 1 around timberline on Hager Mountain. NEVADA SAVANNAH SPARROW (Passerculus sandwichensisnevadensis). Bly, June 30. NORTm•RNSAGE SPARROW (Amphispiza belli nevadensls). Common about Silver Lake from May 31 to September 2. THrmB•R'S JUNCO(Junco oreganusthurberi). Found throughontthe forest from May 31 at Cabin Springs to September 1 on I-Iager Mountain. W•ST•R• CH•,•NO SeARRow(Spizella passerinc,arizona,). Noted from June 6 at Bly to August 26 at Spring Creek. Bm•w•a's S•,ARRow(Spizella brewerib. reweri). First noted at Bly on June 6 and then at Silver Lake. Last seen on June 16 on the east side of the Syean Marsh, where a nest with four eggs was found in the sage. Om•ooN WmIa-CaOWW•D S•,mmow (Zonotrichia leucophrysoriantha). Seen at Finley Corrals from June 28 to July 1 and again on July 17. One immature bird at Spring Creek on August 21, and a number of adults and several iramatures seen at Spring Creek on August 26. WAxram MOVNIAINS FOX SeARROW(Passerella illaca fulva). Found throngbout the forest from June 6 at Teatable Mountain to August 30 on Coleman Point. Near Fishhole Monntain, a partially aibinistie bird was seen on June 20. LXNCOX,N'S SeARROW(Melosplza lincolnli llncolnil). Noted at Finley Corrals from June 28 to July 1, and again on July 29. One individual was seen at Spring Creek on August 26. MoDoc SoNG SeARRow (Melospiza melodia fisherella). Noted along water- coursesin willows and aspens throughout the area from May 31 at Silver Lake to September 2 at Silver Lake. Portland Oregon

A STUDY OF THE NESTING ACTIVITIES OF THE AMERICAN REDSTART'

BY LOUIS STURM

INTRODUCTION

ALTHOUGHthe Redstart (Setophagaruticilla) is one of the common warblerswith a wide rangethroughout the northeasternUnited States and Canada, its life history, like that of many common birds, has received relatively little attention from investigators. Since Chap- man's (1917: 287-295) summary account, Hickey (1940: 254) has describedthe territorial behavior and display flight of the males, and Mousley (1924: 284-288) and Baker (1944: 83-90) have given short accountsof the nestingbehavior. The following study was made on

Contribution from Franz Theodore Stone Laboratory, Oh/o State Un/versity, Put-in-Bay, Oh/o.